A study on sexual functioning in adults with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder
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Updated: Dec 28, 2025

The Adventures of Fundi Intervention Based on the Cognitive and Emotional Processing in Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder Patients
Published on: June 12, 2020
Samaneh Amani Jabalkandi1, Firoozeh Raisi2, Zahra Shahrivar2,3
1Department of Clinical Psychology, School of Medicine, Roozbeh Psychiatric Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Purpose:
Sexual dysfunction has been ignored in adults with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (A-ADHD). This study examined sexual function in adults with ADHD compared to a healthy control group.
Design And Methods:
The experimental group (N = 63, mean age = 31.11 ± 4.29, females = 31) were recruited among referrals with ADHD to an outpatient A-ADHD clinic. The DIVA-2 (Diagnostic Interview for ADHD in adults) and the schedule for affective disorders and schizophrenia (SADS) were used to assess for A-ADHD and comorbid psychiatric disorders, respectively. The healthy groups (N = 66, mean age = 31.37 ± 4.30, females = 31) were demographically matched and had no psychiatric disorders based on the Conners' Adult ADHD Rating Scales-Self Report, Short Version and SADS. Sexual functions were evaluated using the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) for females and International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) for males.
Findings:
Females with ADHD compared to the control group showed significantly (P < .001) poorer scores in all FSFI domains (desire, arousal, orgasm, satisfaction, pain, and lubrication). The IIEF mean scores in the males with A-ADHD were lower (P = .00) than their counterparts for all the subscales including orgasm, erectile function, intercourse satisfaction, and overall satisfaction, except for the desire (P = .75). The orgasmic function had a significant negative correlation with Conners Adult ADHD Rating Scale-Self Report: Short total scores in males (r = -.48) and females (r = -.40).
Practice Implications:
This study provides preliminary information on greater difficulties with sexual function in adults with ADHD. Assessment of sexual function in referrals with A-ADHD is suggested.
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